From researcher in Europe to medical writer in India

Abstract

This is an article about my returning back to India from Europe and transition from research career to a profession of medical writing. I was introduced to medical writing through European Medical Writers Association (EMWA) while I was in Europe. After a PhD degree and postdoctoral experience in Europe, I returned to India and started anew as a medical writer at a knowledge process outsourcing company. My training period in the company involved introduction to company ethics and policies, different topics of medical writing, and functional approaches. Working on client-specific projects required training in their processes and business rules. In the company, I experienced an open work environment and helpful colleagues. On the projects I was able to use several skills that I learned while in research. I faced a steep learning curve in different therapeutic areas, reports, and client's expectations. Medical writing in India is still developing. The challenges include getting acknowledged for manuscript writing, standardization of rates for work, and for training courses.

Keywords:

• Medical writing in India
• Knowledge process outsourcing
• KPO

Acknowledgement

I acknowledge Ms Sushama Natu (Sciformix) for her suggestions and comments during the preparation of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Chandrima Pal

Chandrima Pal received her PhD in Biophysics from University des Saarlandes, Saarbruecken, Germany. She did postdoctoral research from University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK. She is an EMWA certified medical writer. She worked as a freelancer for a short period and is now working as a medical writer with Sciformix Technologies Private Limited, Pune, India.